Pioneer AVIC-X3 dash GPS

Pioneer has made public the AVIC-X3, the latest in its line of in-dash navigation units. The X3 uses both GPS and a 3D gyroscope to pinpoint location, the latter being useful mainly when a vehicle disappears from a satellite's point-of-view. Traffic can be monitored through a TMC channel, and the unit's database includes 1.5 million points of interest.

The remaining focus of the unit is on entertainment however, since it can handle AAC, MP3, WMA and DivX media files. Inputs are present for iPods, camcorders and game consoles, and a Bluetooth receiver enables both music streaming and hands-free calling. Finally, a dual-zone mode allows the driver to check maps while rear passengers watch videos. The X3 should launch in Europe in September at an unknown price.

By Electronista Staff